US20110177868A1 - Repositionable handle assemblies for drop-in-bar gaming machines - Google Patents

Abstract

A “drop-in” style bar top gaming machine that includes a support frame having at least two opposed support walls, and a top panel assembly supporting a display device. The top panel assembly is further configured to cooperate with the support frame for movement between a closed position and an open position, enabling access to the support frame. An illumination assembly is provided for interior illumination of the gaming machine.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/267,432, filed on Nov. 7, 2008, entitled “REPOSITIONABLE HANDLE ASSEMBLIES FOR DROP-IN-BAR GAMING MACHINES,” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/986,386 and No. 61/002,620, both filed on Nov. 8, 2007, and both entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR FACILITATING INSTALLATION/REMOVAL OF DROP-IN-BAR GAMING MACHINES.” All of these applications name Vetter et al. as inventors, and all of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates generally to gaming machines such as slot machines and video poker machines, particularly those that are drop-in installed into a bar top, tabletop, or other working surface.
BACKGROUND ART
• Casinos are typically crowded environments where difficulties in locating available gaming machines at bars, keno lounges, restaurants, sports book areas, etc are often encountered by patrons. In order to maximize the available floor space of a gaming establishment, gaming operators have resorted to installing gaming machines at a variety of different locations within a casino including, for example, restaurants, bars and/or other more non-conventional locations. For example, it is now quite common now, in gaming jurisdictions, to see bar tops with “drop-in” installed gaming machines mounted directly into them.
• Generally, these bar top, or “drop-in” installed gaming machines are compact designs that mount into a specially designed counter top of a restaurant, bar and/or other facility. Typically, such gaming machines are literally “dropped-in” through an opening in the top of the table or bar top, wherein a substantial portion of the gaming machine components/hardware is located within or under the tabletop of the bar cabinet.
• Often the opening in the tabletop is sized just slightly larger than the vertical footprint of the gaming machine. Such close tolerances between the gaming machine peripheral footprint and tabletop opening minimizes any gaps therebetween, increasing usable tabletop surface area and/or increasing the density of gaming machines per table or bar top.
• Unfortunately, maintenance access to the internals of these “drop-in-bar” machines is difficult due to such tolerance issues, and due to the fact that often, side mounted service door may not be available due to its placement with in the tabletop or bar top. Maintenance access to the internal component, thus, may sometimes only be available through a hinged top panel of the “drop-in-bar” machine, and/or may require complete removal thereof.
• Coupled with the conventional practice in the gaming industry of reducing the overall dimensions of the gaming machine frames by eliminating non-essential components of gaming machines (e.g., carrying handles), handling of these relatively heavy and bulky “drop-in-bar” machines is cumbersome at best. As mentioned, these relatively bulky units are literally “dropped-in” through the top opening in the tabletop. Without the addition of unsightly handles upstanding from the face of the gaming machine, handling of these relatively heavy units has proven problematic.
• One common installation technique is to lift the machine onto the bar with the top panel open, and have a technician (which is standing on the bar top surface) pick the machine up by the open sides of the top panel, and lower the machine into the cavity. Typically, because the gaming machine has no additional space to accommodate handles, the top panel is often used as a handle. These top panels, of course, were not designed to be used as such, and can sometimes be damaged.
• Accordingly, it is desirable to improve the handling and installation of these “drop-in” installed gaming machines by providing repositionable handle assemblies that are stout and secure when affixed to the gaming machine, yet can be easily removed with minimal effort.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
• The present invention provides a “drop-in” installed bar top gaming machine assembly configured to mount to a tabletop through an opening in a top surface of the tabletop. The gaming machine assembly includes a support frame, having two spaced-apart support walls, which support and house some of the primary gaming machine electronics such as a master gaming controller and memory. A top panel assembly is provided which supports at least a display device therein, and is further configured to cooperate with the support frame for movement between a closed position and an open position, enabling access to the support frame. The gaming machine further includes a pair of repositionable handle assemblies each having a handle member and a mounting portion. Each mounting portion of the respective handle assembly is movably mounted to a corresponding support wall of the support frame between a first position and a second position. In the first position, each handle member is positioned and oriented out of any obstructive orientation with the top panel assembly so that it can be freely moved to the closed condition. In the second position, in contrast, when the top panel assembly is in the open position, the handle member is exposed in a manner that permits gripping thereof to vertically support and lift the gaming machine assembly.
• Accordingly, a pair of repositionable handle assemblies are provided that are movably mountable to the gaming machine support frame that, when oriented in the second position, enable or aid a gaming machine technician to vertically lift and support the gaming machine during in drop mounting the gaming machine directly through the opening in the tabletop. Moreover, due to the tight tolerances between the gaming machine and its corresponding drop-in opening in the tabletop, as well as the compact design of the gaming machines themselves, when the handle assemblies are oriented in the first position, they are repositioned out of any obstructive orientation that prevents movement of the top panel. More particularly, the orientation of the handle assemblies will not prevent positioning of the top panel assembly to its first or closed position that is generally flush with the tabletop when the gaming maching is mounted therein.
• In one particular embodiment, the mounting portion is configured to slideably cooperate with the corresponding support wall such that in the second position, the respective handle member is oriented above an upper edge of the support wall, and in the first position, the respective handle member is oriented at least flush with or below the upper edge of the support wall.
• In this specific embodiment, each the handle member may include a first support post mounted to the handle member. Further, each mounting portion includes a first mounting guide mounted to the support wall. The mounting guide defines a receiving slot that is formed and dimensioned for sliding receipt of the first post therethrough for movement of the first support post between the second position and the first position.
• In still another specific configuration, each the handle member further includes a second support post mounted to the handle member, with the second support post being spaced apart from the first support post. Each mounting portion further includes a second mounting guide mounted to the support wall. These second mounting guides define a respective receiving slot that are formed and dimensioned for sliding receipt of the second post therethrough for movement of the second support post between the first position and the second position. Each mounting portion, in yet another embodiment, is configured to removably mount to the respective support wall.
• In another embodiment, each handle assembly includes a base portion coupled to the corresponding handle member. Each mounting portion further includes at least one, and preferably two, knob devices having a head portion and a neck portion mounted to either the base portion or the corresponding support wall. The thinner neck portion has a smaller transverse cross-sectional dimension than that of the head portion. Each mounting portion includes a corresponding keyhole slot formed in the other of the support wall or the base portion. Each keyhole slot includes a first portion and a joined second portion, the first portion being dimensioned for sliding receipt of the knob device head portion transversely therethrough. The second portion of the keyhole slot having a width dimensioned for sliding receipt of the neck portion longitudinally therethrough, although having a width dimension less than that of the head portion. In the first position of the handle assemblies, each neck portion of the mounting portion is slideably received in the second portion of the corresponding keyhole slot.
• In one specific configuration, each first knob device is mounted to the base portion, while each the keyhole slot is defined by the corresponding support wall. Further, the longitudinal length of the neck portion is slightly longer than the thickness of the support wall.
• Yet another embodiment provides a lock assembly for each mounting portion that is configured to releasably lock the corresponding handle assembly to corresponding support wall, in the first position. Each lock assembly, in one specific embodiment includes a locking pin moveably mounted to a corresponding base portion between a retracted condition and an extended condition. In the extended condition, the locking pin extends away from the base portion for receipt in a corresponding pin aperture in the corresponding support wall, the aperture of which is sized and dimensioned for sliding receipt of the locking pin in the first position, to lock the handle assembly.
• Still another specific embodiment yields a lock assembly that includes a biasing device that cooperates with the locking pin to bias the same toward the extended condition. Preferably, each lock assembly includes a biasing device that cooperates with the locking pin to bias the locking pin toward the extended condition.
• In one specific embodiment, the biasing device includes a spring member cooperating between the locking pin and the support wall to bias the locking pin toward the extended condition.
• In yet another configuration, each locking pin is adapted for threaded receipt in the corresponding pin aperture.
• In another specific aspect of the present invention, a support housing is provided for a “drop-in” style bar top gaming machine that configured for “drop-in” installation through an opening in a top surface of a tabletop. The gaming machine, briefly, includes at least a master game controller, memory, a display and a top panel assembly supporting the display device. The top panel assembly is configured to cooperate with the support housing for movement thereof between a closed position and an open position, enabling access to the support housing. The support housing of the present invention includes a support frame having at least two opposed support walls, and a pair of repositionable handle assemblies. Each handle assembly is movably mounted to the support frame between a first position and a second position, and includes a handle member and a respective mounting portion. In the first position of the handle assembly, each respective handle member is repositioned out of any obstructive orientation in order to permit the top panel assembly to be placed in the closed position. In the second position of the handle assembly, the respective handle member is exposed in a manner that permits gripping thereof to vertically support and lift the gaming machine assembly during “drop-in” installation through the opening in the tabletop when the top panel assembly is in the open position.
• In yet another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine assembly is provided having a master gaming controller, memory and a support frame. The gaming machine further includes an illumination assembly having a shield device and a lamp supported by the shield device. A docking assembly is included that is coupled to the support frame for support thereof. The docking assembly defines an interior cavity formed of receipt of the shield device between a docking condition, secured in the interior cavity during nonuse, and a use condition, permitting movable operable use of the illumination assembly.
• In one specific embodiment, the shield device includes a gripping region formed for manual manipulation thereof.
• In another configuration, the gaming machine assembly further includes a locking assembly cooperating with the illumination assembly and the docking assembly for movement between the lock condition and a release condition. In the lock condition, the illumination assembly is releasably locked to the docking assembly, in the docking condition. In the release condition, illumination assembly is disengaged, to permit movement thereof toward the use condition.
• In still another specific arrangement, the docking assembly includes a docking frame defining the interior cavity; and the locking assembly includes a locking pin having a distal tip portion moveably mounted to the docking frame between the lock condition and the release condition. In the lock condition, the tip portion extends into a pin slot defined in the shield device, and is formed for sliding receipt of the pin tip portion to retain the illumination assembly in the docked condition. In the release condition, the tip portion is disengaged from the pin slot to release the illumination assembly from the docked condition.
• Another embodiment of the locking assembly includes a biasing device that biases the locking pin toward the lock condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
• The assembly of the present invention has other objects and features of advantage which will be more readily apparent from the following description of the best mode of carrying out the invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
• FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a “drop-in” installed tabletop style gaming machine mounted to a tabletop.
• FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the gaming machine ofFIG. 1 with the top panel assembly in an opened condition, and incorporating repositionable handle assemblies constructed in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a gaming machine frame of the gaming machine that incorporates keyhole slots of the mounting portion of the repositionable handle assemblies.
• FIG. 4 is another top perspective view of the gaming machine frame ofFIG. 3, further illustrating a docking assembly for an illumination assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, enlarged, front elevation view of the repositionable handle assembly ofFIG. 2, in a second position.
• FIG. 6A is a fragmentary, enlarged, side elevation view of the repositionable handle assembly ofFIG. 5, in a first position.
• FIG. 6B is a fragmentary, enlarged, side elevation view of the repositionable handle assembly ofFIG. 6A, in the second position.
• FIG. 7 is an enlarged, front elevation view of an alternative embodiment handle assembly, defining keyhole slots in a base portion thereof.
• FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, enlarged, front elevation view of the alternative embodiment handle assembly ofFIG. 7, illustrating the knob devices affixed to a support wall of the gaming machine frame.
• FIG. 9A is an enlarged, front elevation view of an alternative embodiment handle assembly, showing the handle assembly in the first position.
• FIG. 9B is a front elevation view of the alternative embodiment handle assembly ofFIG. 9A, showing the handle assembly in the second position.
• FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the support wall of the gaming machine frame, illustrating the keyhole slots defined thereby.
• FIG. 11A is a fragmentary, enlarged, side elevation view of a locking assembly for the handle assembly, in a retracted condition.
• FIG. 11B is a fragmentary, side elevation view of the locking assembly ofFIG. 11A, in an extended condition.
• FIG. 12 is cross-sectional top plan, taken along the plane of the line12-12 inFIG. 9B, and illustrating the alternative embodiments handle assembly.
• FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, enlarged, top perspective view of the docking assembly and the interior illumination assembly ofFIG. 4, ready for operable use.
• FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the docking assembly and the illumination assembly ofFIG. 13, in a docked condition.
• FIG. 15A is a bottom perspective view of the docking assembly ofFIG. 13, with a locking mechanism in a release condition.
• FIG. 15B is a bottom perspective view of the docking assembly ofFIG. 15A, with the locking mechanism in a lock condition.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
• While the present invention will be described with reference to a few specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications to the present invention can be made to the preferred embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be noted here that for a better understanding, like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures.
• One or more different inventions may be described in the present application. Further, for one or more of the invention(s) described herein, numerous embodiments may be described in this patent application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any sense. One or more of the invention(s) may be widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice one or more of the invention(s), and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical, software, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the one or more of the invention(s). Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that the one or more of the invention(s) may be practiced with various modifications and alterations. Particular features of one or more of the invention(s) may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or figures that form a part of the present disclosure, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of one or more of the invention(s). It should be understood, however, that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they are described. The present disclosure is neither a literal description of all embodiments of one or more of the invention(s) nor a listing of features of one or more of the invention(s) that must be present in all embodiments.
• A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. To the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of one or more of the invention(s).
• Further, although process steps and method steps or the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described in this patent application does not, in and of itself, indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of described processes may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to one or more of the invention(s), and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.
• When a single device or article is described, it will be readily apparent that more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described (whether or not they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a single device/article may be used in place of the more than one device or article.
• The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices that are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of one or more of the invention(s) need not include the device itself.
• Turning now toFIGS. 1-4, a “drop-in” style bar top gaming machine assembly, generally designated100, is provided that is configured to mount to a tabletop101 through an opening (represented by broken lines102) in atop surface103 of the tabletop. Thegaming machine assembly100 includes asupport frame105, having two spaced-apartsupport walls106a,106b,which support and house some of the primary gaming machine electronics such as a master gaming controller and memory. Atop panel assembly107 is provided which supports at least adisplay device108 therein, and is further configured to cooperate with thesupport frame105 for movement between a closed position (FIG. 1) and an open position (FIG. 2), enabling access to the electronic components housed in thesupport frame105. Thegaming machine assembly100 further includes a pair of repositionable handle assemblies110aand110b,each having a handle member111a,111band a corresponding mountingportion112a,112b.Each mountingportion112a,112bof the respective handle assembly110a,110bis movably mounted to acorresponding support wall106a,106bof thesupport frame105 between a first position (FIGS. 1,9A and12A) and a second position (FIGS. 2,5,6,9B and12B).
• In the first position, each handle member111a,111b,is positioned and oriented out of obstructive orientation such that thetop panel assembly107 is permitted to reposition in the closed condition. In general, in the second position, the handle assemblies will be entirely detached or positioned such that the corresponding handle members111a,111bare below theupper edge113a,113bof thecorresponding support walls106a,106b.In the second position, in contrast, when thetop panel assembly107 is in the open position (FIG. 2), each handle member111a,111bis exposed in a manner that permits gripping thereof. Such an orientation allows vertical lifting and support of the gaming machine for installation, repair and removal thereof.
• Accordingly, various aspects are described to facilitate the installation and/or removal of the “drop-in-bar” gaming machines into bars, tables, and/or other table-top structures. For instance, a pair of handle assemblies are provided that are movably mountable to the gaming machine support frame that, when oriented in the second position, enable or aid a gaming machine technician to vertically lift and support the gaming machine during in drop mounting the gaming machine directly through the opening in the tabletop. Moreover, due to the tight tolerances between the gaming machine and its corresponding drop-in opening in the tabletop, as well as the compact design of the gaming machines themselves, when the handle assemblies are oriented in the first position, they are moved out of any obstructive orientation that prevents movement of the top panel. More particularly, the orientation of the handle assemblies will not prevent positioning of the top panel assembly to the closed position that is generally flush with the tabletop when the gaming machine is mounted therein.
• In at least one embodiment, the gaming machine housing orframe105 may be modified such that these repositionable handle assemblies110a,110b,can be removably mounted togaming machine frame105 in the second position (e.g., the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 and 9A), to aid in manual handling of the gaming machine. When such manual manipulation is completed, the handle assemblies can be moved toward the first position (FIGS. 2,5,6 and9B), where the handles can be completely removed or detached from the correspondingsupport walls106a,106b.One additional benefit of this arrangement is that the same handle assemblies can be used with any gaming machine that incorporated the same or similar mountingportion112a,112b.
• In yet another embodiment, the repositionable handle assemblies110a,110b,can be movably mounted to the frame such that they can be moved or repositioned, from the second position to the first position, without being removed or detached from the frame. For example, as shown in embodiment ofFIGS. 12A and 12B, thehandle assembly110 is mounted to thecorresponding support wall106 for sliding movement between the second position (FIG. 12B), exposing thehandle member111 to gripping contact above thesupport wall106, and the first position (FIG. 12A), slideably positioning the handle member downwardly vertically below thesupport wall106 so as to be clear of any obstruction to thetop panel assembly107. In this specific arrangement, thehousing frame105 may be modified to include one or more permanently affixed handle assemblies110a,110bthat are capable of sliding or rotating out of any obstructive orientation.
• Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, a conventional gaming machine housing (or machine cabinet) orframe105 for a “drop-in” installed or “drop-in-bar” stylegaming machine assembly100 is shown which includes at least two-spacedsupport walls106a,106b.In this particular configuration, the two support walls are generally parallel and opposed to one another. Still further, a pair of cross-walls114a,114bhaving opposed ends mounted to therespective support walls106a,106b,providing structural integrity for the entire frame. In this particular illustration, thesupport walls106a,106band the cross-walls114a,114bare generally vertically oriented, forming a rectangular-shapedsupport frame105, although the cross-walls114a,114bmay be skewed as well in some instances.
• Extending outwardly from one or more of an upper edge portion of each wall is a generally horizontal mountingflange115a-115c.In this particular example, at least two of the mountingflanges115a,115bare mounted to, but extend away from, thesupport walls106a,106b.These flanges provide a means for securely seating, as well a way of affixing, theframe105 of thegaming machine assembly100 in thetabletop opening102.
• As best illustrated inFIGS. 2,5 and6, the handle assemblies110aand110b,will now be described in detail. For the ease of description and clarity, however, the “a” and “b” component references will not be used. As shown, eachhandle assembly110 includes ahandle body116 that defines thehandle member111, which is oriented generally horizontally, and abase portion117 that includes at least a portion of the respective mountingportion112 thereon. Thebase portion117 is coupled to thehandle member111 through at least onesupport post118 extending therebetween. In this particular illustration, as shown inFIG. 5, two spaced-apart support posts118,118′ are provided at the opposed ends of thehandle member111. Collectively, in this embodiment, thehandle member111,base portion117 and spaced support posts118,118′ define arecess120 that essentially enables gripping of the handle by a gaming machine technician's fingers.
• In at least one embodiment, eachhandle member111 may be formed in a manner that provides a comfortable grip surface and may be sized to allow the use of two hands. According to different embodiments, the handles may be formed using different types of materials such as, for example, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, brass, nickel, titanium, etc), wood, plastic, nylon, polypropylene, resins, rubber or any combination thereof. Other materials may also be applied that have physical and/or structural properties sufficient to allow the material to be used as a handle which may be fastened to the gaming machine frame, and sufficient to allow material to support the gross weight of the gaming machine (e.g., 150-200 lbs.) without failure.
• In some embodiments, thehandle body116 may be formed using a substantially rigid plate-like material (such as folded metal that is illustrated in the Figures). Such a substantially rigid material facilitates physical manipulation and/or positional control of the gaming machine during lifting and installation into the bar top cavity.
• In other embodiments, thehandle member111 may be formed with a flexible material (e.g., string, wire, rope, webbing, straps, etc. (not shown)). In at least one embodiment, the handle member may be comprised of a non-conductive material, or have an outer coating or surface coating that is electrically non-conductive (e.g., rubber, plastic, etc.).
• In the second position, thehandle member111 is easily exposed relative to thegaming machine frame105 to enable gripping and handling of thehandle assembly110. In one particular configuration, as shown onFIGS. 5 and 6B, therespective handle member111 is oriented above anupper edge113 of therespective support wall106. Access and exposure of the handle members111a,111b,thus, is provided during handling of the gaming machine assembly without obstruction with theframe support walls106a,106b.
• Such access to the handle assemblies110a,110b,in the second position, generally requires the top panel assembly being oriented in the opened condition (FIG. 2). Incidentally, thetop panel assembly107 is preferably hingeably mounted to theframe105 on one side or edge thereof. Thispanel assembly107 can then rotate or hinge between the closed condition (FIG. 1), enabling operative use thereof, and the opened condition (FIG. 2), enabling access to the gaming machine electronics housed in theframe105. It will be appreciated, however, that the top panel assembly can be movably mounted or coupled to theframe105 using any conventional or accepted technique.
• In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, and as already indicated above, one particular configuration provides corresponding mountingportions112a,112bthat are detachably mounted to theframe105, in the second position, and are completely detached fromframe105, in the first position. A particular benefit of this arrangement is that the same handle assemblies can be mounted to, and used with, any gaming machine frame that incorporates corresponding mounting portion components that enable mounting thereto.
• FIGS. 5-9 illustrate various embodiments of this detachable handle assembly110 (and components thereof) which may be attached to the gaming machine frame. In one configuration (FIGS. 5-8), the mountingportion112 is provided by a set of mountingknobs121,121′ and correspondingkeyhole slots122,122′ that interengage one another. Either thehandle body116 or thecorresponding support wall106 can support the mounting knobs, while the other of thesupport wall106 or thehandle body116 can define thecorresponding keyhole slots122,122′. These corresponding components of the mountingportion112 cooperate to removably interengage, in the second position, and detach from one another, in the first position.
• Preferably, thebase portion117 includes one or more of these mountingknobs121,121″ are onto its surface thereof. Preferably, at least two spaced mountingknobs121,121′ are mounted to base portion to spread the loads, although providing only one mounting knob can be easily designed.
• Again, of the ease of description and clarity, only one mountingknob121 and correspondingkeyhole slot122 will be described in detail. Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, each mountingknob121 includes acircular head portion123, and a smallerwidth neck portion125, forming essentially a doorknob or mushroom shaped device. Briefly, while the shape of thehead portion123 and theneck portion125 are circular and/or cylindrical, other geometric shapes are acceptable as well.
• In one particular embodiment, theneck portion125 of the mountingknob121 is affixed to thebase portion117 of thehandle body116. Such mounting can be performed using any conventional mount method such as screws, bolt, rivets, welding, etc. Accordingly, as best illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B, thehead portion123 is spaced from thesupport wall106 by the length of theneck portion125. This mountingknob121, thus, forms a doorknob shape arrangement that can be interengage with the correspondingkeyhole slot122 that extends through thesupport wall106. In one particular arrangement, thus, the length of theknob neck portion125 is only slightly larger than the thickness of corresponding support wall. In another example, however, the tolerance between the length of theknob neck portion125 and the thickness ofcorresponding support wall106 may be even tighter, such that a friction fit type arrangement occurs, retaining thehandle assembly110 in the second position.
• As illustrated in the example ofFIGS. 3 and 10, these keyhole shapedslots122,122′ are specifically configured or designed to facilitate interengagement with a respective mountingknob121,121′ of thehandle assembly110. Eachkeyhole slot122,122′ includes afirst portion126,126′ having a transverse cross-sectional dimension sized and shaped for sliding receipt of theknob head portion123 transversely therethrough. Eachkeyhole slot122,122′ further includes asecond portion127,127′ in communication with the correspondingfirst portion126,126′. The width dimension of the slotsecond portion127 is smaller than that of the knob head portion (and thus the slot first portion126), but is sized for sliding receipt of the knob neck portion longitudinally therealong. Moreover, as best viewed inFIGS. 5 and 10, thesecond portion127 of thekeyhole slot122 is oriented and aligned vertically above the larger diameterfirst portion126.
• In one particular embodiment, anexemplary handle body116 is shown inFIG. 10 illustrating various dimensions (e.g., A, B, C, D) relating to respectivekeyhole slot122 which may be applied to facilitate attachment of a handle togaming machine frame105. According to a specific embodiment, the dimensional variables A, B, C, D ofFIG. 10 may have the following values: A=about 1.4 inches, B=about 6.5 inches, C=about 0.9 inches and D=about 0.4 inches
• It will be appreciated, however, that the various dimensional values described herein are provided for purposes of illustrating an example of a specific embodiment. Moreover, it is to be understood that other embodiments may include at least a portion features/components having dimensional values that are different from those specifically illustrated in the drawings and/or described in the specification of the present application.
• Accordingly, to attach thehandle assembly110, the spaced mountingknobs121,121′ are aligned with thecorresponding keyhole slots122,122′ that are defined in thesupport walls106, which of course are placed in alignment therewith. Once theknob head portions123,123′ are aligned with the correspondingfirst portions126,126′ of thekeyhole slots122,122′, thehandle body116 can be moved toward the support wall until the head portions extend through the corresponding slot first portions. Thehandle body116 can then be urged upwardly, via thehandle member111, moving theknob neck portions125,125′ into sliding engagement with the corresponding slotsecond portions127,127′. In accordance with the present invention, while theknob neck portions125,125′ are oriented in the corresponding slotsecond portions127,127′, in the first position of the mountingportion112, the larger width of thehead portions123,123′ prevents removal or axial dislodgment therefrom, from the second. In this orientation, thehandle assembly110 is placed in the second position (FIGS. 2,5 and6B) and is now operable to facilitate lifting and manipulation of the gaming machine assembly.
• In at least one embodiment, the handle assemblies110a,110bmay include a lockingassembly128 that releasably retains the handle assembly in the second position. Retaining therespective handle body116 in the second position, of course, prevents inadvertent removal or detachment when the handle members111a,111bare not being operated. Otherwise, in some instances, the weight of the handle assemblies themselves may cause dislodgement.
• Locking of the handle body, in the second position, to thecorresponding support wall106, can be performed in many different embodiments. For instance, the mountingknobs121,121′ may releasably frictionally engage against thesupport wall106 with a separate mechanism, or simply friction fit the support wall between thehandle body116 and theknob head portions123,123′, as mentioned above.
• Another specific locking assembly arrangement, however, is shown inFIGS. 6,11A and11B. In this embodiment, thehandle body116 is releasably locked to thecorresponding support wall106. Such a lockingassembly128, in one embodiment, includes one or more movable locking pins130, each having atip portion131 that is configured for sliding engagement in acorresponding pin aperture132. Thesepin apertures132 are defined by thegaming machine frame105, and are strategically aligned and sized to position the handle member above the support wall upper edge, in the corresponding second position. In other words, insertion of thelocking pin tip131 into thecorresponding pin aperture132 temporarily locks thehandle body116 against thesupport wall106, retaining the handle assembly against the corresponding support wall, in the second position.
• In at least one embodiment, lockingpin130 is configured for reciprocal movement in a direction along it longitudinal axis between a retracted condition (FIG. 11A) and an extended condition (FIG. 11B). In the extended condition, thetip portion131 of thelocking pin130 is displaced axially in a distal direction toward, and into locking engagement with thepin aperture132, essentially preventing any significant lateral movement of the handle body, relative to thesupport wall106. In particular, thehandle body116 is prevented from displacing downwardly, where the mountingknobs121,121′ can be repositioned in alignment with the correspondingfirst portions126,126′ of thekeyhole slots122,122′, enabling removal of the knob devices, and hence, the handle assemblies therefrom.
• In contrast, in the retracted condition, the distal tip portion of thelocking pin130 is retracted out of locking engagement with thecorresponding pin aperture132, enabling thehandle body116 to displace downwardly from its orientation in the second position toward the first position. Any such retraction may be manually manipulated by pulling agripping knob133 coupled to proximal end of thelocking pin130. Such manipulation displaces thelocking pin130, and thus thedistal tip portion131, axially in a proximal direction away from, and out of engagement with thecorresponding pin aperture132. As mentioned, thehandle body116 with then be allowed to displace downwardly, moving theknob neck portion125,125′ out of engagement with the corresponding keyholesecond portions127,127′ so that the handle assembly can be removed from thegaming machine frame105, if desired.
• In the example ofFIGS. 11A and 11B, the lockingassembly128 includes aninternal biasing device133 that biases the distalpin tip portion131 of thelocking pin130 toward the extended condition. Accordingly, as the mountingknobs121,121′ are moved upwardly such thatknob neck portions125,125′ are slideably urged into the keyhole slotsecond portions127,127′, thebiasing device133 will automatically urge thedistal tip portion131 of thelocking pin130 into thecorresponding pin aperture132 when they are coaxially aligned with one another.
• In one embodiment, thebiasing device133 may include a conventional spring element (not shown). One end of the spring may be coupled to a pin or latching element of the locking assembly, while the opposite end thereof contacts the support wall.
• Briefly, it will also be appreciated that the components of the mountingportions112a,112bmay reversed in that, for example, the mountingknobs121,121 may be mounted to theframe support walls106a,106b,while thekeyhole slots122,122 maybe defined by the correspondinghandle bodies116. This particular embodiment is shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. It will be appreciated, of course, that thekeyhole slots122,122′ are inverted as compared to the previous embodiments.
• Turning now toFIGS. 9A,9B and12, an alternativeembodiment handle assembly110 is illustrated that repositions handle member between the first position and the second position in a manner different from that of the detachable embodiment ofFIGS. 5-8. In this particular configuration, thehandle body116 of thehandle assembly110 is non-detachable from thegaming machine frame105, and more particularly, is slideably mounted to the gaming machine frame. For example, as illustrated in the example ofFIGS. 9A and 9B, thehandle body116 is movably or slideably attached to frame support wall via one ormore guide fasteners135,135′. Such a fastener may be formed to cooperate with thehandle body116 for sliding movement between the first position (FIG. 9A) and the second position (FIG. 9B).
• For example, in its simplest form, theguide fastener135 may be U-shaped such that when mounted to thesupport wall106, the two components cooperate to define a receiving slot136 (FIG. 12) formed and dimension for sliding receipt of thesupport post118 of the handle body longitudinal therethrough. Accordingly, the transverse cross-sectional dimension of the receivingslot136 must be at least as large, cross-sectionally, to accommodate sliding receipt of that of thesupport post118 therethrough.
• In one embodiment, thehandle body116 may be substantially similar or identical to that of the embodiment ofFIG. 5, thus defining two spaced support posts118,118′ that couple thebase portion117 to thehandle member111. In this embodiment, twoguide fasteners135,135′ are required, both of which slideable receive acorresponding support post118,118′ between the first position and the second position.
• In contrast, should asingle guide fastener135 be employed, thehandle body116 may employ a single, more centrally placed, support post, that extends between thehandle member111 and the base portion117 (not shown). In this configuration, of course, cross-sectional dimension of the single support post, and the associated guide fastener, would be sufficient to singularly accommodate the weight of thegaming machine assembly100 on the one side thereof.
• In either embodiment, thehandle member111 is slideably mounted to thesupport wall106 for movement between the first position and the second position. As shown inFIG. 9A, in the second position, the support posts118,118′ are slideably received in the receiving slots of theguide fastener135,135′ until thebase portion117, functioning as a stop mechanism, contacts the bottom surface of the guide fasteners. Such abutting contact limits the travel through theguide fasteners135,135′, effectively retaining thehandle member111 in the first position. In this orientation, thehandle member111 is oriented above theupper edge113 of thecorresponding support wall106 for gripping exposure thereof, when the top panel is oriented in the opened condition. Accordingly, when a gaming machine technician is pulling up on the handle members (e.g.,111), thecorresponding base portion117 contacts thecorresponding guide fastener135, which enables thegaming machine assembly100 to be supported by the handle assemblies110a,110b.
• In the first position, as shown inFIG. 9A, thehandle body116 slides downwardly until the bottom side of thehandle member111 contacts the upper surface of thecorresponding guide fasteners135,135′. As mentioned, in the first position, the handle members are repositioned out of any obstructive contact and interference thereof with the movement of thetop panel assembly107 toward and to the closed condition (FIG. 1). In one specific example illustrated inFIG. 9A, thehandle member111 is slideably repositioned below theupper edge113 of thecorresponding support wall106.
• In most embodiments, the mere weight of thehandle body116 alone is sufficient reposition thehandle assembly110 toward the first position. Thus, should the technician relinquish their grip of thehandle member111, when oriented in the second position (FIG. 9B), thehandle assembly110 will be caused to reposition to the first position (FIG. 9A). However, in some instances, the tolerances between the receivingslots136,136′ and the support posts118,118′ may be tighter, such that thehandle body116 can be retained in its position, relative to thesupport wall106, by frictional forces. Hence, in this configuration, any sliding movement between the position and the second position will require sliding manual manipulation by the gaming machine technician.
• In another alternative embodiment handle assembly, the handle body may be pivotally mounted (not shown) to thesupport wall110 for pivotal motion, about an axis generally parallel to both the support wall and the lower edge of the handle body. Hence, for example, turning toFIG. 6B shown in the second position, a hinge device may be included having one side mounted near the lower edge of the handle body, and an opposite side mounted to thesupport wall106, with a pivotal axis of the hinge device extending in a direction generally perpendicular to, and into, the plane of the figure.
• The handle assembly would then be pivotally mounted to theside wall106 such that thehandle body116 would be capable of rotating about the pivotal axis of the hinge device from the second position to the first position (not shown inFIG. 6B). In this first position orientation, thehandle member111 would then be inverted to an orientation below both the hinge device and the lower edge of the handle body, but adjacent the support wall.
• A biasing device may be included to bias the orientation of thehandle body116 toward the first position during non-use. Such a biasing device may be provided by a torsion spring or the like. Hence, during operation, the technician will be required to rotate the handle body back to the upright second position with enough force to overcome the torsional force of the spring.
• In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an interior illumination assembly, generally designated136, is provided for the gaming machine assembly interior that is removably mounted to thegaming machine frame105. Briefly, as shown in FIGS.4 and13-15, theinterior illumination assembly137 includes amultifunctional shield device140 and aninspection lamp138 mounted thereto. Theillumination assembly137 is docked in aninterior cavity143 of adocking assembly146, during nonuse (e.g.,FIG. 14), but can be removed therefrom by a technician for operable use (e.g.,FIG. 13)
• Theshield device140 provides multiple functions, such as deflecting/reflecting light illuminating from the lamp, as well as providing a convenient gripping medium to allow the technician to manipulate the directional lighting of the lamp itself. The shield also functions as a heat dissipation device for dissipating heat generated from the light source (e.g., bulb). Further, the shield device may be used as a securing device for removably securing and dock the light source to the gaming machine frame. Finally, the shield device, of course, may be used as a light shielding device to shield light from the light source from shining directly into the eyes of a user inspecting the interior of the gaming machine unit.
• In one specific configuration, theshield device140 is generally trapezoidal in the transverse cross sectional dimension. As best viewed inFIGS. 13 and 14, the shield device includes a generally rectangularupper support plate141 with a pair offlange plates142,142′ tapering or flaring outwardly therefrom. As mentioned above, the transverse cross-sectional dimension of theshield device140 is formed for receipt in the frameinterior cavity143.
• A relatively large hole oraperture145 extends through at least one of the flange plates. Thisaperture145 facilitate finger gripping and manipulation of theshield device140 during use and operation thereof.
• The shield device may be comprised of any rigid material, but must be able to withstand the heat generated by the inspection lamp. Such material, for instance, include aluminum or steel, as well as any metallic material similar to that composing thegaming machine frame105. Further, although the shape of the shield device is generally trapezoidal in cross-section, other shapes are acceptable, but should at least be sized for docking in the frameinterior cavity143.
• Theinspection lamp138 is preferably affixed to the underside of theupper support plate141, using the underside surfaces of the flaredflange plates142,142′ to reflect and diffuse the light originating from the lamp. Techniques to affix the lamp to the support plate can be provided using any conventional mounting methods. In at least one embodiment, the light source of theinspection lamp138 may be an incandescent light source, a fluorescent light source, a diode (e.g., LED) light source, and or other types of visible light sources generally known to one having ordinary skill in the art.
• Further, the illumination assembly may be wired or battery powered, using conventional battery technology. For example, a rechargeable battery pack may be incorporated such that, when theshield device140 is docked in thedocking assembly146, in a docked condition as will be described, the rechargeable battery pack can be charged.
• Thedocking assembly146, which is mounted to thegaming machine frame105, provides detachable support for theillumination assembly136 during nonuse. As illustrated in the example ofFIGS. 13 and 15, thedocking assembly146 includes adock frame147 that defines an opening into the generally rectangularinterior cavity143.
• The dock frame may be comprised of any rigid material, such as, for instance, a metallic material similar to that comprising theshield device140 or thegaming machine frame105. Further, although the shape of the frameinterior cavity143 is generally rectangular, it will be appreciated that any shape is acceptable as long as the shield device and inspection lamp can be stored therein.
• In at least one embodiment, theshield device140 of the illumination assembly is sized and dimensioned for sliding receipt in theinterior cavity143 of thedock frame147 to the docking condition (FIG. 14) for docking thereof. To releasably retain theillumination assembly137 in the dock condition, alock mechanism150 cooperates between theillumination assembly137 and thedocking assembly146 that secures at least a portion of theshield device140 in the dock frameinterior cavity143.
• Referring now toFIGS. 15A and 15B, in at least one embodiment, thelock mechanism150 includes amovable locking pin151 reciprocally mounted atop thedock frame147 between a lock condition (FIG. 15B), preventing removal of the illumination assembly from the dock condition, and a release condition (FIG. 15A), releasing engagement with theshield device140 to enable manual removal thereof.
• In one embodiment, thelock mechanism150 includes amovable locking pin151 having adistal tip portion152 that is configured for sliding engagement in a corresponding apin slot153 defined by theupper support plate141 of theshield device140. Thispin slot153 is strategically aligned and sized to enable insertion and engagement of thepin tip portion152 therewith, when theillumination assembly137 is placed at the docking condition.
• As mentioned, the lockingpin151 is configured for reciprocal movement in a direction along its longitudinal axis between the release condition and the lock condition. In the lock condition, thetip portion152 of thelocking pin151 is displaced axially in a distal direction toward (downwardly in this orientation), and into locking engagement with, theshield pin slot153, essentially preventing any significant lateral displacement of theshield device140, relative to thedock frame147. In particular, theillumination assembly137 is prevented from removal from the frameinterior cavity143 for use and operation thereof.
• In contrast, in the retracted condition, the distal tip portion of thelocking pin151 is retracted out of locking engagement with thecorresponding pin slot153, enabling the illumination assembly to be removed from the frame interior cavity. Any such retraction may be manually manipulated by pulling upwardly on agripping knob155 coupled to proximal end of thelocking pin151. Such manipulation displaces thelocking pin151, and thus thedistal tip portion152, axially in a proximal direction away from, and out of engagement with thecorresponding pin slot153.
• Thelock mechanism150 may include a biasing device (not shown) that biases thetip portion152 of thelocking pin151 toward the lock condition. Accordingly, as the distal end of theshield device140 is inserted, head first, through the opening148 of theinterior cavity143, the contact with the distal tip portion of thelocking pin151 forces the pin proximally. When thelocking pin151 is substantially coaxially aligned with thepin slot153, the biasing device will automatically urge thedistal tip portion152 of thelocking pin151 into thecorresponding pin slot153, retaining the illumination assembly in the lock condition.
• In one embodiment, the biasing device may include a conventional spring element (not shown). One end of the spring may be coupled to a pin or latch element of thelock mechanism150, while the opposite end thereof contacts thesupport frame105.
• It will be appreciated that the forgoing embodiments are only a few illustrations of added functionality that can be applied using the structures of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A gaming machine assembly, said gaming machine assembly comprising:

a master gaming controller;

a memory;

a support frame, the support frame housing the master gaming controller and the memory;

a top panel assembly supporting a display device, the top panel assembly movably connected with the support frame and configured for movement between a closed position and an open position to enable access to the support frame; and

an illumination assembly including a shield and a lamp mounted to the shield; and

a docking assembly coupled to the support frame, the docking assembly defining an interior cavity dimensioned for receipt of the illumination assembly, wherein the illumination assembly is configured to be removably docked with the docking assembly,

wherein the gaming machine assembly is configured for mounting in a bar top or tabletop through an opening in a top surface of the bar top or the tabletop.

2. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 1, wherein the shield includes a gripping region configured to facilitate gripping of the illumination assembly.

3. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 1, wherein the lamp comprises an incandescent light source, a fluorescent light source, or a diode light source.

4. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 1, further comprising a power source for the lamp.

5. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 4, wherein the power source is a battery.

6. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 5, wherein the battery is rechargeable.

7. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 6, wherein the docking assembling includes a recharging interface configured to recharge the battery when the illumination assembly is docked in the docking assembly.

8. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 1, wherein the shield is made of a metallic material.

9. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 1, wherein the shield comprises an upper support plate and two adjoining flange plates, wherein the upper support plate is substantially rectangular in shape, wherein the flange plates adjoin the upper support plate along two opposing edges of the upper support plate, and wherein neither flange plate is parallel to the upper support plate.

10. The gaming machine assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the flange plates are configured to reflect light emanated from the lamp.

11. The gaming machine assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the flange plates are configured to diffuse light emanated from the lamp.

12. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 1, further including:

a locking assembly configured to be movable between a locked state and an unlocked state,

wherein the locking assembly retains the illumination assembly within the docking assembly when the illumination assembly is docked with the docking assembly and the lock assembly is in the locked state, and

wherein the locking assembly does not retain the illumination assembly within the docking assembly when the illumination assembly is docked with the docking assembly and the locking assembly is in the unlocked state.

13. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 12,

wherein said docking assembly includes a docking frame defining said interior cavity,

wherein said locking assembly includes a locking pin movable between a first position and a second position, the locking pin having a distal tip portion, the locking pin in the first position correlating with the locked state, the second position correlating with the unlocked state,

wherein the distal tip portion extends into a receptacle included in the shield when the illumination assembly is docked in the docking assembly and the locking pin is in the first position, and

wherein the distal tip portion does not extend into the receptacle included in the shield when the illumination assembly is docked in the docking assembly and the locking pin is in the second position.

14. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 13, wherein

the locking assembly includes a biasing device that biases said locking pin towards the first position.

15. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 14, wherein the biasing device is a spring.

16. The gaming machine assembly as recited inclaim 1, wherein the interior cavity is dimensioned to facilitate sliding receipt of the illumination assembly during docking.

17. The gaming machine assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the shield includes a hole feature dimensioned to facilitate insertion of a finger therethrough.

18. The gaming machine assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the interior cavity is substantially rectangular in cross-section.

19. The gaming machine assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the illumination assembly is connected to the gaming machine assembly with a cable.

20. A method of manufacturing a gaming machine assembly, the method comprising:

assembling a support frame, the support frame housing a master gaming controller and a memory;

attaching a top panel assembly supporting a display device to the support frame, the top panel assembly movably connected with the support frame and configured for movement between a closed position and an open position to enable access to the support frame; and

installing an illumination assembly in the support frame, the illumination assembly including a shield and a lamp mounted to the shield; and

mounting a docking assembly to the support frame, the docking assembly defining an interior cavity dimensioned for receipt of the illumination assembly, wherein the illumination assembly is configured to be removably docked with the docking assembly.

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